Sport and Physical Education at Wharepapa South School

At Wharepapa South School, we see sport and physical education as vital to the holistic growth of our tamariki. Sport is more than just games – it develops physical strength, resilience, and coordination, while also nurturing teamwork, leadership, and confidence. Within a te ao Māori worldview, hauora (wellbeing) is central – sport and PE support the balance of taha tinana (physical wellbeing), taha hinengaro (mental wellbeing), taha whānau (social wellbeing), and taha wairua (spiritual wellbeing). By engaging in movement, competition, and play, our tamariki connect with themselves, each other, and the whenua that surrounds us.

We regularly partner with local clubs and community groups to create opportunities for our students to participate in interschool and community competitions. Whether it’s miniball, touch rugby, netball, or other sports, these experiences give our students the chance to grow skills, build friendships, and represent their kura with pride. When needed, we also join with neighbouring schools to create combined teams, reflecting the manaakitanga and kotahitanga (care and unity) that underpin our school values.

Through our sports and PE programmes, students have the opportunity to:

• Develop practical skills for playing, coaching, officiating, and organising games.

• Learn values such as fairness, perseverance, teamwork, and respect – vital for managing both co-operative and competitive environments.

• Explore how science, technology, and the environment influence sporting performance, deepening their critical thinking.

• Understand the cultural and social significance of sport in Aotearoa, including the important role it plays in whānau, hapū, and iwi life.

For us, sport is about much more than winning. It’s about building character, strengthening connections, and celebrating the joy of movement together – qualities that prepare our tamariki for lifelong wellbeing and success.

Eastern Zone Sporting Events

Wharepapa South School is part of the Eastern Zone Cluster.  Each term, we get together with Arohena, Pukeatua, and Puahue to participate and compete in different events together.  This is a great way for our students to expand their friendship circles through some friendly competition. Each term, a different school hosts an event and provides baking to purchase as part of a fundraising opportunity.

These are whole day events and students need to be transported to and from the host school or venue by parents.  For the event that is hosted by Wharepapa South, we ask our families to help make the most of a fundraising opportunity by providing baking for either the junior or senior winter sports days.

Team Sports

At Wharepapa South School, we love giving our tamariki the chance to get active, try new sports, and be part of a team. Throughout the year, we’ll keep students and whānau updated on sporting opportunities as they come up.

We often field teams in miniball, touch rugby, and netball—and when our numbers are a bit light, we team up with our neighbouring schools so everyone still gets the chance to play. It’s all about collaboration, fun, and building skills together.

Our sports wouldn’t be possible without the support of our amazing parents, who volunteer their time to manage and coach our teams. Their involvement helps create such positive experiences for our tamariki.

We also share information about wider opportunities through Te Awamutu Sports so families can get involved in community sport if they wish.

Other Sporting Events